James E. Bryden

James E. Bryden, 81, died on April 1, 2025. A long-time resident of the capital district, in Voorheesville and then Delmar since 2001, Jim was cared for during the last year and a half at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center as he made his difficult journey through Parkinson’s and dementia.

Born in Delhi, NY to Myrtle (Church) and Edwin Bryden, Jim grew up in the Catskills in and around Davenport and attended Charlotte Valley schools. He was awarded a scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston, where he became a Red Sox fan, and graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering. He returned to NY to take a job at the Department of Transportation, remaining there until his retirement. He worked first in the Research Division and then the Construction Division, developing and directing the statewide highway work zone safety program to protect workers and the traveling public. This position gave him the opportunity to travel extensively in NY, inspecting work sites and presenting safety training programs. He liked to say that he had driven every state highway in New York.

Jim was dedicated to his work and was a nationally recognized expert in his field. He presented and published numerous papers at Transportation Research Board and chaired several committees. He also received numerous awards for his contributions to highway safety research. After retiring Jim continued work as an engineering consultant and expert witness in traffic accident cases throughout the country.

Jim and his first wife, Kathleen raised their family in Voorheesville. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was actively involved in the scouting program and Kiwanis baseball. He was a life member of the Bethlehem Sportsman Club and enjoyed hunting at the camp he and his buddies built outside Davenport.

Throughout his life Jim maintained a close connection with the Catskill region, attending reunions, visiting relatives and old friends, and exploring back roads. Jim and his wife, Laurel, were enthusiastic hikers. Together they climbed the 102 highest Catskill peaks, the Adirondack 46 high peaks, hiked the Long Path (Sacandaga Lake to the George Washington Bridge) and all the officially marked trails in the Catskills. They also enjoyed bicycling, boating on Lake Ontario and going to local bluegrass and country music events. After moving to Delmar Jim joined the First United Methodist Church, working with the Mission Movers as long as he was physically able to do so.

Jim was predeceased by his brother Robert of North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Laurel, daughter Rebecca (Scott) Beiter, son Edwin (Cara) Bryden, of Delmar, and step-son Paul Inglis and wife Laurie in Maryland. He was the proud grandfather of Lillian and Rayne Beiter, Eloise and Emmeline Bryden, and Dylan, Darren and Davin Inglis. He is also survived by his former wife Kathleen of Delmar.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.  Those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to the animal rescue organization of one's choice.